Episdoe 13: Adenomyosis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management Strategies

his clinical review by Kimberly.Koh et al in the green journal explores adenomyosis, a chronic condition where endometrial tissue grows within the uterine wall, causing pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. While historically linked to older women, improved imaging technologies like specialized ultrasound and MRI now frequently detect the disorder in younger patients. The text details various pathophysiological theories, including the invasion of stem cells and tissue injury responses that lead to uterine scarring. Management has evolved from a reliance on hysterectomies to include hormonal medical therapies and minimally invasive interventional procedures such as uterine artery embolization or thermal ablation. Because the disease often coexists with endometriosis and fibroids, the authors emphasize the need for standardized diagnostic criteria to improve personalized care. Ultimately, the source highlights the significant socioeconomic and psychological burden this often-misunderstood condition places on patients.